Why Bruno Fernandes is set to miss Manchester United trip to Fenerbahce in Europa League

Manchester United will have to deal without the presence of captain Bruno Fernandes on Thursday when the club takes on Fenerbahce and former boss Jose Mourinho.

United have recorded just two points from their opening two Europa League games and face a tricky midweek trip to Turkey ahead of West Ham away on Sunday. A hostile atmosphere is expected at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in what is their first visit since November 2016.

United lost 2-1 in that fixture, also a Europa League tie, during Mourinho’s first season at Old Trafford. Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford started the game, with both still employed by United.

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Meanwhile, Diogo Dalot and Victor Lindelof are the only signings bought by Mourinho who remain at the club. Both could feature against the Portuguese manager this week.

However, countryman Fernandes - who joined United 13 months after Mourinho’s acrimonious exit - will miss the game through suspension. He was sent off against Porto in this month’s 3-3 Europa League draw for two yellow card offences, the final one being given for a high boot.

That was just days after he was shown the first red card of his United career against Tottenham. United appealed that decision given it was a straight red card and saw it successfully overturned.

Prior to his dismissal against Tottenham, Fernandes had played 241 United matches without receiving a red card. The playmaker has missed five previous United matches due to suspension, all of them for yellow card accumulation.

Fernandes has yet to score this season despite playing in every game - although he has five assists, notching his latest for Rasmus Hojlund's winner against Brentford on Saturday. United’s midfield options versus Fenerbahce are stretched with Kobbie Mainoo sidelined through injury.

With Mason Mount still a doubt for the game, United may opt to play Christian Eriksen in the attacking midfield role and allow Manuel Ugarte to partner Casemiro centrally. Other midfield option Toby Collyer was omitted from Saturday’s squad against Brentford due to an unspecified injury.